A First-Hand Look At A Hunting Opportunity in Ireland

Published: April - 2012

Subscriber Mihael Safaric checked in with a report on hunting in the Republic of Ireland. Safaric hunted for sika and red deer in Wicklow, south of Dublin.

We have to note here that, in 2008, we published a very positive subscriber report from Robert B. Michalek (6343) and a follow-up article (2064) about hunting sika deer in Northern Ireland, specifically at Colebrooke Estate. That estate is apparently still offering deer stalking along with fishing schools and snipe and woodcock shooting.

The Republic of Ireland, however, had remained off our lists until Safaric's positive report. Safaric tells us he hunted in October 2010 (though he didn't file the report until March of 2012). He took four animals in total, including representative trophies of both sika and red deer. He gives the outfitting, accommodation and guiding across-the-board excellent ratings and recommends the hunt.

Regarding his hunt, Safaric told us in a follow-up email that game was abundant on the property he hunted, and that it was all free-range with no fences involved except low sheep fencing, which deer can easily jump. "The hunt was conducted in two ways: spot-and-stalk and by still hunting slowly on foot. They have a few high seats too, but I didn't use them," he says. He notes that this was not a physically difficult hunt; he had no problems despite the fact that he describes himself as "not really fit."

According to Safaric, the accommodations were in a nice Irish B&B right on one of the hunting grounds, or in a bungalow resort within 20 minutes travel of other hunting areas. He rates the accommodations as excellent and the food as good.

Safaric advises bringing good raingear and waterproof boots for this hunt: "You can expect rain for days." He also recommends good quality optics for low-light hunting and long-range shots. Finally, he tells us, "I'd recommend this hunt in Ireland because we had lots of fun and the hunt was a great experience. I took four animals in total,........(continued)